Roscoe Trotman of Charlotte, NC had his 1st Hole-in-One on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Charles T. Myers Golf Course, Charlotte, North Carolina. The accomplishment was made on hole #4, 145 yards, using a 7 iron Calloway club and Calloway ball. His playing partners were Rich Walter and John Dixon.
Beyond The Fairway Podcast hosts Will and Doug are joined by Charles Sifford, Jr., the son of the World Golf Hall of Famer Charles Sifford, ahead of the Travelers Championship, where Sifford earned his first PGA circuit win.
In honor of Sifford’s historic win and iconic career, Sifford Jr. talks about the Charles Sifford Centennial Celebration Golf Outing taking place at Wethersfield Country Club and what his father’s legacy means to the game of golf, both then and now, and how his father helped shape the life he lives now.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-fairway/id1548370084?i=1000567285388
Interview (Will, Doug & Charles Jr.)
(5:52) Start of Interview with Charles Sifford, Jr.
(7:21) The state of black golf from when Sifford entered the professional ranks to present-day
(8:34) Sifford Jr.’s view as a child on his father
(10:38) On the hardships Sifford endured while breaking into professional golf
(13:30) Advice Sifford received from Jackie Robinson
(15:17) On Sifford’s book “Just Let Me Play”
(17:49) On his father’s initial golf reservations for himself, and Sifford Jr.’s introduction to golf
(19:37) Comparisons to him and his father
(21:01) Message to young or new golfers and understanding Sifford’s legacy
(22:53) Diversity in Golf from the 1969 L.A. Open to today
(26:41) How the Charles Sifford Centennial Celebration Golf Outing came about
(29:33) On the significance of Wethersfield Country Club to the Centennial event and the Sifford family
(30:39) On the Dr. Charles Sifford Scholarship and its impact on HBCU’s
(32:19) Sifford Jr. on his own legacy
When discussing player determination in the realm of golf, the name Christian Heavens is most likely to be included. Christian keeps his nose to the grindstone and his eye on the ball in all aspects of his life as a pro golfer.
Born in St. Louis, MO, he has no shame in letting everyone he knows that “Golf saved my life.” It was his grandfather, Levester Heavens, who introduced him to the game, putting a plastic golf club in his hand as a baby, and became his mentor.
“My father wasn’t around early on in life, so my grandfather was the patriarch and father figure for me early on. My grandfather has told me over the years that I was born to play golf,” shared Christian. “He also told me over and over again that golf is a sport that is supposed to be fun. I’ve taken that to heart over the years, which is why I love the game,” recounted Christian in a GolfChannel interview.
As a youth, learning the game kept him away from the lure of the streets and fueled his confidence and belief that his life ambitions were limitless. As a teen attending Belleville East High School in Fairview Heights—a well-known rough suburb East of St. Louis—he knew right from wrong and did not bow to peer pressure. Instead, became a two-time team Most Valuable Player for the Lancers while twice earning All-Conference accolades.
“Growing up in East St. Louis, the reputation is that most of us would be either dead or in jail by the age of 25,” said Christian. “I have friends and family members that are in jail, or that were killed.” Christian escaped street life and continued to make his family and his grandfather, who passed in 2018, proud.
An alumnus of the First Tee of Greater St. Lous, Christian represented the organization at the 2006 First Tee Open at Pebble Beach and in 2010 competed in the U.S. Amateur at Chambers Bay. His outstanding academic and golfing skills earned him a First Tee Scholars scholarship to Georgetown College in Kentucky, where he captured the All-American Inaugural Gimmie Golf Professional Invitational in 2018.
A two-time, first-team All-Conference member of the Mid-South Conference, as a junior Christian won first place in the final individual standings at the MSC Championships. For his efforts, he was named MSC Golfer of the Year and went on to earn third-team NAIA All-America honors. In each of his final three seasons at Georgetown, he finished in the top 12 of the MSC Championships.
Following a standout collegiate career, Christian made his mark professionally as a member of the PGA Tour Canada in 2012. The stealth player recorded his first two victories on the Florida Professional Golf Tour that same year and went on to compete on the Golf Channel’s Big Break, ABC’s Season 2 of Holey Moley, the Latin America Tour, and on Florida professional tours.
Christian took a brief hiatus from golf several years ago. “Physical and mental health forced me to take a break from golf in 2019, where I went to teach at Topgolf and be an assistant coach at D2 Mckendree college. Now that I am stronger and playing golf pain-free, I quit my job in October to give this a full go again. The game is good and I am showing signs of my old self and improvement. I am hoping to play in the John shippen and take advantage of the many opportunities presented to minority golfers today.”
His tenure in the sport reflects a career-low round of 61, earned in a Florida pro golf tour event, and he’s accomplished 25 tournament victories, including the St. Louis Publix Open this past May. While playing full-time on the Advocates Pro Golf Association Tour Christian has been offsetting tournament expenses by selling logo spots on his chest, golf bag, and collar, recently gaining sponsorship from Ascension, one of the largest private healthcare systems in the USA.
The 33-year-old bachelor is good friends with fellow pro golfer Harold Varner III. “I can’t tell you how much I admire his mental game and self-belief,” says Christian. “Tiger is my most admired golfer, but I really look up to Teddy Rhodes and Charlie Sifford, the things they endured and went through to get better are truly admirable.”
Christian gets in practice at his home course, Stonewolf GC in Fairview Heights, Illinois “I’m competitive. I like to be active and try new things.” While he continues to focus on developing his skills in golf, this CEO of Tour Line Golf LLC and Heavens Golf seeks to make a positive impact in the world outside of the ropes and is busy writing a fictional book loosely based on his life and golf experience.
For those that follow collegiate golf in the United States, Bailey Davis is a household name. At just 19 years of age, her talent is undeniable – making her one of the most dynamic new forces in golf.
Davis has just competed in the US Women’s Open, where of 156 participants, she was the only African American woman. When asked about the experience of being there as the only Black woman, she said:
“No matter what, keep smiling, keep having fun, keep enjoying yourself. If there aren’t many people out there that look like you, be the first.”
Davis is familiar with performing at the highest level. During her high school career, she was the Maryland state champion and conference MVP for each year of competition. She also qualified for the USGA and PGA Girls’ Junior Championships multiple times.
These achievements were each accomplished while maintaining honor roll, becoming a member of the National Honors Society, and ranking in the top 10% of her class.
This elite ability to perform both academically and athletically has put her on the map.
This spotlight is significant because Davis represents two traditionally marginalized communities in the world of golf.
When discussing her success, she has made a concerted effort to celebrate those men and women who challenged stereotypes, gender norms, and racism to enable a young African American woman to participate at this level of competition.
Golf has long been a sport with a high barrier of entrance. Access to golf courses (public or private), owning golf clubs, and lack of education are obstacles that have prevented many from participating in the sport.
For decades, golf was a sport designated for country clubs, and African Americans, who were banned from being members at these establishments, were only allowed to caddy or work on the courses.
However, a concerted effort has been made to reverse these stereotypes and make space for African Americans. For example – in the 1920s, organizations like the United Golf Association (UGA) developed tours to allow African American players to compete while they were banned from the PGA Tour.
This movement can be traced back to the 19th century, where in 1896, John Shippen competed in the US Open. It was continually pushed forward by men like Charlie Sifford, who was the first African American to compete on the PGA tour in 1961.
It wasn’t until 1975 that the Master’s had its first African American competitor, Lee Elder. Through all of these efforts, the world witnessed the legendary career of Tiger Woods. During his reign, Woods won the second most Masters Golf Tournaments and was consistently ranked throughout his whole career.
For many, Tiger Woods was the first golfer that had any name recognition outside of those who actively watched the sport. He became a celebrity – making appearances on late night shows and Oprah.
His talent exposed thousands to the sport, creating fans who bought merch, tuned into Golf TV, and started using the best golf betting sites to bet whether someone would stay under par.
Like Davis, he made sure to talk about his identity as a multiracial athlete and joked about being “Cablinasian” – a combination of his identities of Caucasian, Black, Indian, and Asian.
However, it is important to note that while some understood the intention behind this casual phrasing – others in the community took great offense and suggested that Woods was trying to distance himself from the African American community.
This is just one example of how the conversation can become incredibly nuanced and multifaceted.
These complexities multiply again when one begins discussing the legacy of black women in golf.
In her book, The African American Woman Golfer: Her Legacy, Dr. M. Mikell Johnson explains that the female African American golfer must deal with and overcome a toxic cocktail of racism as well as sexism.
They must also contend with the assumption that black women are not interested in pursuing golf – either as an amateur or a professional. However, Johnson details the many notable women of color who have not only challenged sexism and racism but utterly vivisected them.
These examples include Helen Webb Harris, who founded the first exclusive golf club for African American women, and Ann Gregory, who broke the USGA color line.
Access is always a crucial barrier, which is why the Black female golfer struggled the most to gain access to the golfing world. White women, whose husbands were the majority membership of clubs, would create women’s associations and clubs within the organization.
On the other hand, African American women had to demand access to clubs or create their own in order to gain space in the sport.
Johnson writes that it was African American women who had been taught the sport by their fathers and friends that shared the game with the next generation – black women enfranchised other Black women.
Bailey Davis represents the next generation of exposure for young Black athletes who are successfully leveraging their platform in the media and online to inspire kids worldwide.
So far during her collegiate career, Davis has earned SEC All-Freshman Honors, finished in the top 100 in every tournament she has participated in, and, as stated above, played in the US Women’s Open.
Regardless of her gender or race – she is by far one of the most promising talents on the course today.
99 of the top 100 players on the LPGA Tour’s Official Money List will contend for $9M purse as the PGA of America and KPMG elevate their support of the world’s premier players
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 21, 2022) 一 The PGA of America, KPMG and the LPGA Tour today announced that the purse for the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be doubled to $9 million. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which annually features one of the strongest fields in women’s golf, will be contested June 23-26 at Congressional Country Club’s newly restored Blue Course.
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship has built on the history and tradition of the LPGA Championship, which began in 1955 and is the second-oldest major in women’s golf.
This year’s $9 million purse is double the $4.5 million total awarded last year and represents a 300% surge since 2014 ($2.25M), the year before the PGA of America and KPMG began their collaboration. The winner’s share of the purse also will be doubled to $1.35 million.
“When the PGA of America partnered with KPMG and the LPGA Tour in 2015, we promised to elevate this event by increasing the purse, conducting it at venues with a history of hosting men’s major championships such as Congressional Country Club, and delivering broadcast network coverage with NBC Sports,” said Jim Richerson, President of the PGA of America. “As part of our shared commitment to support and showcase women’s golf, we have delivered on those promises.”
“Through the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, we are accelerating the advancement, development and empowerment of women both on and off the golf course,” said Paul Knopp, KPMG U.S. Chair and CEO. “The significantly increased purse size – along with top courses in major markets, network TV coverage, and advanced data and analytics capabilities provided via KPMG Performance Insights – are tangible examples of our commitment to elevate the world-class athletes on the LPGA Tour.”
The Championship’s impressive trajectory is reflected in the quality of its venues. Since 2014, the Championship has been staged at historically significant (men’s) Major venues such as Atlanta Athletic Club (2021), Aronimink Golf Club (2020), Hazeltine National Golf Club (2019), Kemper Lakes Golf Club (2018), Olympia Fields Country Club (2017), Sahalee Country Club (2016) and Westchester Country Club (2015).
In coming years, the finest women golfers of the LPGA Tour will showcase their talents at Baltusrol Golf Club (2023) and PGA Frisco (2025, ‘31), the new home of the PGA of America. Congressional will host its second KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2027.
“Doubling the purse from $4.5 million to $9 million is another example of KPMG and the PGA of America’s dogged commitment to the LPGA and our athletes. We could not be more grateful for their steadfast leadership in growing the women’s game and providing our athletes and future athletes with opportunities commensurate with their world-class talent,” said Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA Commissioner. “This is a very big day for the LPGA, for women’s golf and for women’s sports and we look forward to working with KPMG and the PGA of America to continue to use our platform to empower young women and inspire positive change in the world.”
The field for the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship includes 99 of the top 100 players on the LPGA’s Official Money List, along with nine PGA/LPGA Club Professionals, who will measure their exceptional talents on a historic Major Championship stage.
A collaboration between KPMG, PGA of America and LPGA, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship combines an annual world-class, major golf championship with the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit and KPMG Future Leaders Program – all focused on the advancement and empowerment of women on and off the golf course.
Braselton, GA – The American Junior Golf Association is proud to announce Neuropeak Pro as the Official Performance Training Company of the AJGA. The Official Partnership will include naming rights to the AJGA Preview Series as well as a social platform featuring members’ ability to manage their body’s stress response while performing various tasks under pressure. The ‘Coaches Corner’ will also receive a makeover, rebranding to the Neuropeak Pro College Coaches Corner.
Neuropeak Pro is a Precision Breathing, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and brain performance training company that helps golfers manage stress and perform under pressure. Neuropeak Pro’s NTEL BELT is a real-time training device designed to align diaphragm-based performance breathing and HRV. The wearable Bluetooth device is positioned around the torso, while the mobile app and instructional videos guide users through training sessions designed to optimize an individual’s ability to respond to stress and unlock “zone-like” performance potential.
Precision Breathing and HRV training improves performance with a “bottom up” approach that helps sync the rhythm of the player’s heart with their breathing structure. The approach is backed by scientific evidence which demonstrates a connection between intentional breathing practices and management of the Autonomic Nervous System, which manages your body’s “fight-or-flight” and “rest-and-recovery” responses.
Neuropeak Pro is used by several AJGA alumni including Jordan Spieth and Morgan Pressel[AM1] . In his junior career Jordan Spieth had five AJGA wins and earned 2009 Rolex Junior Player of the Year honors.[AM2]
“Neuropeak Pro is proud to be an AJGA partner”, said Neuropeak Pro Director of Golf Performance Andy Matthews, himself an AJGA alumni and former professional player. “We look forward to working with the AJGA to not only support its mission but to also help elevate the performance of AJGA Members on and off the course.”
The Neuropeak Pro Preview Series is designed specifically for AJGA members who have not yet been accepted to an AJGA tournament. This series offers members the opportunity to start building Performance Based Entry status before application deadlines arrive for summer Open and Ninja Junior All-Star Series events.
The 2022 Neuropeak Pro Preview Series will include three events; Mercy Health Foundation Preview, Windham Mountain Resort Preview and AJGA Preview at Carolina Trace. All staples of the annual schedule, the three host venues will provide a challenge to these first-time AJGA members.
“The AJGA is thrilled to bring Neuropeak Pro on board and elevate the performance training tools we offer to our membership,” said AJGA Chief Business Officer, Jason Etzen. “We are looking forward to boosting the Preview Series and creating unique experiences for our members with the support of Neuropeak Pro for years to come.”
The Preview Series has many notable past participants and champions who have used the Series to launch their junior golf careers. Names such as: Will Zalatoris, Alison Lee, Xander Schauffele, Brooke Henderson and Andrea Lee all started their AJGA and national junior golf careers through the Preview Series.
About Neuropeak Pro
Neuropeak Pro is a Precision Breathing, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and brain performance training company that has worked with over 50 players across the PGA TOUR, European Tour, LPGA, Korn Ferry Tour, and NCAA Division 1 golf to help them manage stress and perform under pressure. Stars like Jordan Spieth, Bryson DeChambeau, Morgan Pressel, So Yeon Ryu, and Madelene Sagström are among the expansive list of professional, amateur, and collegiate athletes who leverage Neuropeak Pro’s Precision Breathing training. In January 2022, Neuropeak Pro introduced the NTEL BELT – a first-of-its-kind, real-time training device and mobile app designed to help unlock peak performance through Precision Breathing and heart rate variability training. More information on the Neuropeak Pro and the new NTEL BELT can be found at www.neuropeakpro.com.
About the American Junior Golf Association
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 7,000 members from 50 states and 60 foreign countries. Through initiatives like the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s National Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate, and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 900 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Scottie Scheffler, Sergio Garcia, Sam Burns, Billy Horschel, Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Jessica Korda, Ariya Jutanugarn, Nelly Korda, Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome, Anna Nordqvist, Danielle Kang, and Lexi Thompson.
Founder Bob Biggers started Tee-Lo Golf 23 years ago. It started in the Tangelo Park Community of Orlando, Fla., in hope of providing a positive alternative for youth. Bob got help from PGA Instructor Rick McCord at Orange Lake Golf Course, who provided free lessons to the kids.
Bob’s vision wasn’t just to teach young inner-city kids golf, but life skills as well. Character building, critical thinking, how to be young gentlemen and gentle ladies, along with other social skills like public speaking, good manners, proper behavior, confidence, etc. So the motivating intentions of Tee-Lo weren’t just limited to golf introductory only, but the whole ideology of producing upstanding, quality, citizens of society.
Bob’s military and correctional facility skills inspired him to give kids a kind of road map and guidance before they became victims of a system that’s not really designed for them to become successful. Tee-Lo Golf has been very instrumental in providing options for kids in underserved communities throughout the Orlando area.
In the photo above are some of Tee-Lo’s new recruits attending summer golf camp at the training center. They all fell in love with young golf phenom Amari Avery after watching the video documentary “The Short Game‘ and instantly became fans of African American Golfers Digest.
The summer camp ran for only one week. From June 13-17, for ages 6-10. The next summer camp will run from July 11-15, for ages 11-15. Tee-Lo Golf will not be doing a camp for the 16 and up group. For more information call 407-497-2937. Follow, and keep up with Tee-Low Golf events and activities by visiting their Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/teelogolforlando
DULUTH, GA. (June 21, 2022) – Rising pro golfer Toks Pedro captured his first APGA Tour victory with clutch birdies on the third and fourth extra holes to win an exciting, four-man playoff at TPC Sugarloaf Tuesday afternoon. The four-man playoff also included Joe Hooks of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Jarred Garcia of Jacksonville and Wyatt Worthington, the PGA of America teaching pro from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, who played in the PGA Championship last month at Southern Hills.
A native of Lagos, Nigeria, now living in Orlando, Pedro played PGA Tour China in 2019 as part of a journey that now has him competing regularly on the growing APGA Tour, which offers some 15 full-field events annually for minorities working to achieve their dreams of playing at the next level.
The foursome finished 36 holes at two-under 142 with Garcia fashioning a three-under 69 as the best round of the day on the par 72, 7,058-yard layout. The entire group parred the first two playoff holes, 10 and 11, but Pedro and Hooks holed birdie putts on the 400-yard, par 4 12th hole, setting up the two-man drama at the driveable, 312-yard 13th.
Both ended up with quality tee shots to the right side of the green and when Hooks played first, his pitch got caught up in the fringe and left him 35 feet away. Pedro then seized the moment with a pitch to eight feet and he calmly dropped the putt and celebrated the biggest tournament win of his career. He collected the $7,500 first prize from the $25,000 purse.
“My focus overtook the nerves and I hit the perfect putt,” stated Pedro, 26, who has six mini-tour wins in Florida in recent years. He had a one-stroke lead with six holes to play in the recent APGA Tour at TPC Scottsdale, but faltered down the stretch. “I was able to apply that experience today and play better to close it out,” he added. “My improvement has been consistent and I’m looking forward to playing the APGA Tour the rest of the year.”
The win lifted Pedro into the top ten of the Lexus Cup Point Standings with 722 points for eighth place. Tim O’Neal, the APGA Tour veteran from Savannah, Georgia, finished in a tie for seventh place to maintain the top spot with 1,568 points and three regular-season events remaining. The APGA Tour now moves to Silvis, Illinois, for APGA Tour at TPC Deere Run July 11-12.
The APGA Tour is launching the World Wide Technology (WWT) APGA Player Development Bonus Program this week, providing top performers from the APGA’s player development program plus other selected tour regulars with financial assistance, access to PGA TOUR qualifying and additional promotional opportunities, along with prize money and other benefits. The grouping’s top five players in the season-long Lexus Cup Point Standings will be exempted into Monday qualifying for the PGA TOUR’S World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba, November 4-7, at El Camaleon Golf Club in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
The APGA Tour was established in 2010 with the mission to bring greater diversity to the game of golf by hosting and operating professional golf tournaments, player development programs, mentoring programs, and introducing the game to inner-city young people. The tour has grown from seven events with $200,000 in prize money in 2020 and 14 events with over $400,000 in prize money in 2021, to 18 events with over $800,000 in prize and bonus money in 2022.
PONTE VEDRA, Fla. and BROOKLINE, Mass. – A founding partner of First Tee, the USGA has extended its 25-year support of the youth development organization and the initiative was highlighted during the 122nd U.S. Open in Brookline, Mass. As part of the USGA’s ongoing commitment to growing a more welcoming golf community, the USGA has awarded $25,000 to First Tee — Massachusetts through their IDEA Grant and is hosting the First Tee Game Changers Pavilion, with support from Sentry, as part of the U.S. Open Junior Experience at Fisher Hill Reservoir Park.
Launched in 2021, the USGA IDEA Grant program is part of a broader effort to directly empower programs that foster inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility at the local level, particularly in its championship host communitiee and for programs delivered through its Allied Golf Association network in every state. Since the program’s inception, the USGA has allocated nearly half a million dollars toward the effort.
First Tee — Massachusetts plans to direct its efforts on expanding its character-building programs in underserved communities and diversifying coaching staff to better match the demographics of the population it serves. Additionally, financial aid programs, free transportation and new program locations in Springfield and Worcester supported by the 2022 IDEA grant will help to ensure more youth can learn the game and grow from the experiences. First Tee — Massachusetts is proudly supported by Mass Golf, an Allied Golf Association, and its community of over 100,000 members and 340 member clubs.
“We are committed to investing in local communities that serve as incredible hosts for our championships, as a way to help advance the game.” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “First Tee Massachusetts is breaking down barriers to participation in this community, and it’s the kind of change we want to make golf more accessible and encourage more youth to pick up the game.”
The USGA and First Tee are also partnering on this year’s U.S. Open Junior Experience at Fisher Hill Reservoir Park – offering the community a family-friendly experience. With support from Sentry, the experience features the First Tee Game Changers Pavilion, a space that brings to life what it means to be a game-changer and helps connect youth to the excitement and personal impact associated with golf and First Tee programs offered throughout the country. The Pavilion will be open from Wednesday, June 15 to Saturday, June 18. The junior experience is free of charge and First Tee representatives and participants will be on hand inviting community members to engage in a series of interactive golf-themed activities and enjoy the thrill of a major championship in a publicly accessible space. As a First Tee Trustee, Sentry’s support of the Game Changers Pavilion is an extension of their commitment to helping further First Tee’s mission.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022, First Tee offers programs in all 50 states and select international locations seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum that empowers youth to build their inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Serving more than 30,000 individuals annually, First Tee — Massachusetts offers seven programs across the state, including three in the Boston area.
“Empowering youth through the game of golf has been at the core of First Tee’s mission since 1997,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Thanks to the ongoing support of the USGA, we are continuously opening doors in the local golf community and introducing new golfers to the game and our character-building programs.”
To celebrate the USGA’s investment in the local community, USGA Executive Committee member Cathy Engelbert presented First Tee with a check during a pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park this Tuesday. First Tee — Massachusetts Director of Operations Kyle Harris accepted the grant, along with McLaughlin.
By Anijah Kenyatta
The first year I got involved in golf, I really liked it. It was fun to go outside and play golf. I especially liked the driving range. Putting was fun, but sometimes it just got on my nerves. It was so frustrating, but I didn’t give up.
With golf, I met new people and made friends. We went to a few places together like Top Golf, Clearview Golf Course, the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Belle Isle Golf Course, and Chandler Park Golf Course.
The reason that made me come back the second year was because I loved the first year of the golf program. The people I met were fun. I was shy at first, but now I’m not. I’m currently learning more about golf.
Anijah Kenyatta
Anijah Kenyatta is an eleven-year-old, sixth-grade student in the Cornerstone School system. She lives in Detroit, Michigan with her mother. Anijah is a Cadette level member of the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. She has a pet bunny named Cutie and a dog named Pookie that she pet sits. She loves to dance, draw, and play golf. She participates in the Detroit chapter of Golf My Future My Game
Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Robinson, age 75, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at St. Vincent Hospital surrounded by her family.
She was born on March 7, 1947, in Columbia, Tennessee, a daughter to James and Sarah Smith Hester.
After her high school graduation, Liz attended Tennessee State University. She had a big heart and loved to help others. She worked at the Erie Community Blood Bank and Studio Hue for many years. Liz always had a smile and a hug for everyone. She loved sports especially golf and Pittsburgh Steelers football. Liz was a member of the Erie Golf Belles and was a championship golfer who would often compete with her husband.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her brother, James Hester and sister, Rossie Mardell Lackovich.
Liz will be forever missed by her husband, Thomas “Mr. Rob” Robinson; a daughter, Robbe (fiancé Scott Bell) Robinson; a son, Thomas Robinson, Jr.; a granddaughter, Rossi Sarah Bell; a brother, Jerry “Bubba” (wife Elyria) Hester; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Quinn Scott Funeral Home West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506. The family is planning a Celebration of Life later this summer.
The Celebration Of Her Life Party will be on August 6, 2022, at 200 Clifton Dr., Erie, PA.
Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.
So, after a ground stop in New York’s JFK airport caused Delta to reroute me through Minneapolis, I arrived in Boston, MA just 3-hours behind schedule on June 16 to attend and participate in the Tee Up for Diversity gala. Delta Airlines did all they could in managing the weather issues; I tip my Charlie Sifford embroidered golf cap to them.
The Tee Up Diversity combined the opportunity to access world-class golf at the 122nd U.S. Open Championship with an exciting inaugural event and an after-party at Contessa featuring seven-time NAACP Image Awards Winner Anthony Anderson, award-winning producer Chris Spencer, and from NBC Sports Damon Hack. This event was held at The Newbury Boston, hosted by The Reaching Back Foundation with support from The Country Club at Brookline.
This special event celebrated the significant, historical achievements of minorities in the game of golf while raising funds for programs that work to diversify the business and game of golf and recognize the history of the United Golfers Association (UGA, also known as the Chitlin’ Circuit and the Negro Golf Tour) and The Country Club’s establishment of the Lee Elder Internship Program that is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business of golf.
The event raised funds to help organizations dedicated to addressing educational and professional development inequities still evident today with an emphasis on programs relating to the business and game of golf.
I was privileged to meet with the 25 Lee Elder Interns and the four legendary honorees, Jim Dent, Renee Powell, Jim Thorpe and Ed Lamour. This gets better, as I was an award presenter at this event last night. Wow. Meeting with, talking to, and learning from these legends was a highlight I will not forget. I felt like I was literally walking thru the pages of history from Pete McDaniel’s great book, Uneven Lies, or through Ramona Harriet’s Epochs of Courage exhibit. I wish each of you could have joined the 350 people in attendance.
Business, political, civic and social leaders from the Boston area came together to celebrate Diversity in golf. This was a historic day and one that I hope will be repeated, and repeated, throughout the golf industry for years to come.